Saturday, March 10, 2012

Let's Talk About Spring Break and the Pressures of Sex

Sun. Fun. Music. Dancing. Maybe some sand. All sounds like a
good time right? Now let’s add underage drinking. No supervision.
Sex…..possibly unprotected. All sounds hazardous right?

Welcome to what can be an unforgettable Spring Break….. and not always for good reasons if irresponsible decision is made. Spring Break is a time to kick back, relax, have fun, party and just all together excessively indulge in being young! But what happens when you get back home to reality and find out that you have an unplanned pregnancy, STD/STI and/or even HIV because of a careless mistake.

Some Facts:

-
On average, men and women consume at least 10 drinks per day during Spring Break.

-
Some studies suggest that over 70% of males plan to have sex with someone they meet on
Spring Break while 19% of females have similar plans.

-
More than half of college students know friends who were sexually active with
more than one partner during spring break and nearly 3 out of 5 women know friends who
had unprotected sex during spring break

-Most breakups occur right before Spring Break, leaving some vulnerable and leading to
reckless behavior.

Some Tips:

-Only agree to have sex if it’s going to be protected sex with a male or female condom.

-Remember, abstinence is the only way to prevent an unplanned pregnancy, STD/STI’s and

HIV/AIDS.

-
Don’t expect that the other person is “prepared” - make sure you are prepared with condoms
to protect your body if you think you might have sex. Protection is vital to your health and well
-being.


-Don’t agree to have sex if you don’t want to. It’s your right to say no or change your mind.
It’s wrong and criminal to pressure someone else into having sex.

-Drugs and alcohol can affect your judgment, decrease your instincts and prevent you from
thinking clearly, particularly in situations where sex might be involved. Remember to listen
to your instincts before having sex.

-Don’t leave your group to be with strangers who don’t and won’t have your best interest at
heart.

Please enjoy Spring Break responsibly. You want to have fun and there is nothing wrong with
that, it’s almost your right as a college student but do it with respect for your body! Rather it is in regards to sex or alcohol, know that your safety is YOUR #1 priority. No one expects to go to Spring Break and have their lives completely changed…………..forever.

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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Spring Break Tips

Let’s Talk About It: Spring Break Safety

Spring Break is here! You can finally sleep in late and enjoy some time away from school and depending on where you spend your spring break you may be enjoying some warm weather too! Although you have a break from school and teachers, it’s not a time to break free from healthy behavior. Your health and safety is important during spring break as it is at any time in the year.

Here are just a few pointers to keep you healthy and safe for this spring break and many more to come!

Say no to drugs and alcohol
Just because you are on spring break, doesn’t mean that drug and alcohol use are acceptable. Never participate in underage drinking; kids who drink are more likely to become victims of violent crime, sexual assault, being involved in drinking related car accidents and are prone to develop problems with alcohol later in life .Drugs and alcohol use do not make you look cool and should not be used to ‘fit in’ to cliques or the crowd.

Don’t give in to boredom
Become involved in adult supervised programs in your community or local park district. Even if you don’t have anything major or exciting planned for Spring Break never let boredom cause you to make bad choices or decisions. If you are feeling lonely call and talk to a friend or tell a family member.

Have some safe outdoor fun
Having fun outdoors is a great way to spend spring break. Playing basketball, jumping rope or a game of Simon Says are great ways to interact with friends and to add some fun memories to your spring break time.

Reading is Fun!
Now is the time to read whatever you want! You have spent the school year reading required material for school; now you can pick up a cool and entertaining book and just enjoy the fun in reading!

Resist Peer Pressure
Just because you are on spring break, doesn’t mean that you have to engage in sexual activity. Abstinence from vaginal, anal and oral intercourse is the only 100% effective way to prevent STDs and pregnancy.


So remember, whatever your spring break plans are, have fun but remain safe, healthy and happy!

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